Responsiveness-to-Intervention Symposium

December 4-5, 2003 * Kansas City, Missouri

The National Research Center on Learning Disabilities sponsored this two-day symposium focusing on responsiveness-to-intervention (RTI) issues. The speakers, discussants, and participants assembled represented the wide diversity of individuals with a vested interest in LD determination issues. Advocates, instructional staff, researchers, and state-level education officials brought their collective and considerable expertise to the discussions.

Daniel J. Reschly of Vanderbilt University presented this invited paper during the symposium. For links to other papers and materials, visit the main Symposium 2003 page.


What If LD Identification Changed to Reflect Research Findings?

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Summary

The case for the use of a particular methodology must be made by its advocates. The case for traditional LD concepts of cognitive processing deficits and severe discrepancy is not supported by documented benefits for children and youth. In fact, these conceptions cause harm by delaying treatment, wasting resources in the collection of data that are irrelevant to treatment, and focusing attention on variables unrelated to effective treatment. Alternatives that answer more effectively the continuing special education question of documented benefits to children and youth need to be established, implemented, evaluated, and disseminated widely through continuing education and changes in LD policies and practices.

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The symposium was made possible by the support of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs. Renee Bradley, Project Officer. Opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the position of the U.S. Department of Education.